From the National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse - Posted 5.20

Because some people have let us know that they would like to participate in the monthly national networking teleconferences of the National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse but they can't do so during the workday, we are changing the day and time of the next teleconference, which willbe held Tuesday, May 21, at 8:00 p.m. The call-in number is 866-906-0123; the pass code is 5037195#. The purpose of the call is for peer movement activists from around the U.S. to get together, share information, and "network." Join us! Again, the next call will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 8:00 p.m. If you have a topic or topics you would like to see discussed on this call, please write to Susan Rogers srogers@mhasp.org with the word "Agenda" in the subject line.
 
One more thing: If you do plan to participate, it would be helpful if you would email Susan Rogers at srogers@mhasp.org to let her know; this will make it easier to keep track of participation and to send out minutes of the call afterwards. (If you don't choose to do this, please feel free to join the call anyway!)
 
We look forward to "seeing" you on Tuesday! Please note that this new day and time are just for May; we will keep you posted on the date and time for June!

Café TA Center Explores Essential Role of Veterans with Lived Experience in Mental Health Workforce - Posted 5.2

In "Expanding the Role of Veterans in the Mental Health Workforce: Peer Specialists and Beyond," the Café TA Center "examines the essential role that veterans with lived experience can play in serving their fellow vets as part of the mental health system of care. Given the prevalence of stigma surrounding mental health needs in the military, veterans that have experienced trauma and engaged in recovery are uniquely positioned to break through the stigma, reach out to their peers, and find a meaningful role in civilian society as part of the system of care that meets the needs of our returning veterans." The publication is available at the source below.

Source: 

The Peerlink National Technical Assistance Center will host a free webinar on "Building Blocks of Peers & Employment: Individuals with  History of Criminal Justice System Engagement" on May 23rd from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The webinar will cover barriers and challenges to employment for individuals with a criminal justice history, useful strategies and approaches to effectively address these challenges, and available resources. To register, click on the following link:  

Link to Virginia Mental Health Conferences and Trainings Calendar for Opportunities to Attend Conferences and Trainings - Posted 4.11  

Go to:  http://tinyurl.com/VirginiaCalendar

Do you know of other things that could be posted on this calendar?? Email Yolande Long: yolande@vocalvirginia.org

Full Time Peer Bridger (Anno. # 41-13) Sought for Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Consumer Operated Programs - Posted 5.16

Location: MH/SA Admin
Type: Full-Time
Salary: Commensurate with Education and Experience.

This position will focus on people being served by the Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board, who have been identified as ready for discharge. The MPNN CSB Discharge Planner will facilitate the Peer Bridger's interaction with the hospitalized person prior to their discharge. The Peer Bridger's interaction will help ease the transition into community life for individuals being discharged from Psychiatric Hospitals ( with a focus on Eastern State Hospital ) to significantly decrease their need for readmission by offering an array of both intensive individual and group peer support services. The Peer Bridger will: Engage in a uniquely personal, positive supportive relationship that is the foundation for all future interactions. Provide working knowledge of up to date community resources such as transportation systems, recreation centers and activities, churches, drop in centers, support groups, etc. Partner as the peer gains confidence and knowledge. The Peer Bridger helps to foster hope and serves as a role model for persons who are in recovery. The Peer Bridger will work alongside individuals during and after hospitalization to encourage wellness and independence. Provide support to the individual as they engage in pre-employment/job support services or computer skills training. Will interact positively with clients of various cultural backgrounds, cognitive capacities and psychiatric/physical disabilities. Introduce and provide a strong understanding of wellness and recovery principles, such as WRAP. Assist the individual in writing a crisis plan that explores effective hospital diversion options. Assist, accompany and facilitate the individual's involvement in an array of Peer Support Meetings located at both in the hospital, and following discharge, in the community. Interact closely with the CSB Hospital Liaison to facilitate communication, coordination, and person centered implementation of the Peers Discharge Plan, NGRI Plan, ISP, Crisis Plan or WRAP Plan. Work with a case load of 4 to 8 people depending upon intensity of time and engagement needed with each individual, plus the number needing intense services vs. those nearing independent community interaction.

Education and Experience:

Request lived experience with MHSA challenges coupled with the ability to demonstrate one year successful management of their own personal recovery. Peer Support Training, WRAP Facilitator experience or CELT Leadership training helpful but not mandatory. Knowledge and experience of Mental Health hospital environments preferred. Ability to negotiate successful outcomes in complex situations a strong plus for the successful candidate. High School Diploma or GED. VA Driver's License with acceptable driving record.

Position will remain open until filled. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

2013 Campaign for Social Inclusion Awards Now Available - Posted 5.13

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is pleased to announce the availability of the 2013 Campaign for Social Inclusion Awards, formerly the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery State Awards, which fund selected statewide peer-run/recovery community organizations across the United States to promote social inclusion on State and local levels and to counter the negative perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs associated with mental health and/or substance use conditions.

This year, SAMHSA will award seven $20,000 grants for statewide and community-based efforts. Proposed activities must target 18- to 25-year-olds and provide a detailed plan to increase awareness of behavioral health issues and of mental health and/or addictions recovery among young adults who have experienced trauma; among Hispanic/Latino, African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and American Indian young adults; and/or among young adults in the general population. Applicants are expected to integrate an online social networking component or mobile communication component into their project to increase outreach to the target audience. 

The application period for the 2013 Campaign for Social Inclusion Awards for Statewide Peer- Run/Recovery Community Organization Projects opens May 7, 2013, and the deadline for submitting applications is 5:00 p.m. eastern time on June 7,  2013.

The comprehensive Project Guide, which fully describes the project focus, eligibility

requirements, application requirements, and other important information, is available at http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/CSI/awards/2013awards.aspx.

For questions on this application, please contact Campaign Liaison Ruth Montag at 240-744-7062 or CSI-liaison@esi-dc.com.

Is Believing in God Good for Your Mental Health? Maybe! - Posted 5.13

Two studies have reached different conclusions on whether belief in God is good for one's mental health. The larger study, published April 10 in the Journal of Religion & Health, indicated that believers in an angry, vengeful God are likelier to experience social anxiety, paranoia, obsessional thinking, and compulsions. Analyzing the responses of 1,426 Americans to a 2010 Baylor University poll on religious beliefs, researchers found that emotional problems were more common among those who believed in a punitive God than among those who believed in either a benevolent God or a deistic (uninvolved) God. However, some experts questioned whether the belief in a punitive God led to emotional problems or if emotional problems caused people to see God as punitive. Meanwhile, a second study - of 159 individuals in a day treatment program - found that belief in God may significantly improve the outcomes of those receiving short-term psychiatric treatment. This study was published in the April 25 issue of the Journal of Affective Disorders. "Our work suggests that people with a moderate to high level of belief in a higher power do significantly better in short-term psychiatric treatment than those without, regardless of their religious affiliation," said researcher David H. Rosmarin, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School.

Sources: http://www.mcleanhospital.org/news/press/current.php?kw=faith-in-god-positively-influences-treatment-for-individuals-with-psychiatric-illness-suggests-mclean-hospital-study&id=188

Our Strength and Support: Celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month - Posted 5.13

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

A panel of inspiring presenters will share their perspectives on mental health in minority communities, emphasizing the strengths of our cultural communities to come together to find support and carry a banner of hope for all individuals touched by mental illness.

Presenters:

• Bassey Ikpi, The Siwe Project 
• Ramey Ko, Partner at Jung Ko, PLLC; Associate Judge at Austin Municipal Court 

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/794767202 

From the National Empowerment Center: Alternatives Conference Is Happening! - Posted 5.16

We are pleased to announce that Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funds for the Alternatives 2013 Conference have been approved. Thank you to everyone for your support.
 
Alternatives is the national mental health conference organized by and for mental health consumers/survivors. Each Alternatives conference offers in-depth technical assistance on consumer/survivor-delivered services and self-help/recovery methods. Learning from each other exemplifies self-help, mutual support, and the principles of recovery in action. The National Empowerment Center's Technical Assistance Center and the National Advisory Committee are honored to be organizing the conference.

Please stay tuned for future announcements, including the dates and location, as well as a call for proposals and scholarship information. We will be launching an Alternatives 2013 web page as soon as a few major details are determined.
 
In the meantime, you can stay informed by joining our Facebook groups:

• Alternatives Conference Facebook group will allow you to connect and discuss the conference with colleagues and friends from around the country (https://www.facebook.com/groups/AlternativesConference/)
• Alternatives Conference Announcements Facebook group is a simple way to receive updates and announcements only (https://www.facebook.com/groups/AlternativesAnnouncements/)

National Helpline Provides Treatment Referrals: Call 1.800.662.4357 - Posted 5.16

SAMHSA's National Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other resources on the prevention of and treatment for behavioral health issues.

Webinar with Mary Ellen Copeland on May 30th - Posted 5.16

2 :00 - 3:00 p.m.

Join author, educator and mental health advocate,Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD, as she takes us through a basic overview of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan.  WRAP has become the cornerstone of mental health, addictions and whole health programs in all kinds of facilities including state wide mental health agencies, the Veterans Administration, hospitals, schools, health care agencies, organizations, prisons and jails. The presentation will be followed by a live question and answer session.

This webinar is appropriate for anyone who wants to learn more about WRAP or refresh their understanding of WRAP either for themselves or to support others.
This webinar is being hosted by Relias Learning, the provider of WRAP and   Recovery Books'  ELearning courses.

Mary Ellen will also describe how the WRAP- related e-learning courses can be used to learn about WRAP and to reinforce WRAP skills over time.  She will also focus on the "Build Your Own WRAP" program which she herself used for her own WRAP.  

Click here to register

From the Café TA Center - Posted 5.9

National Prevention Week, which is celebrated each May, provides an occasion to highlight the importance of prevention when it comes to substance abuse and mental health issues. This year, Prevention Week is set for May 12-18. To underscore the importance of prevention and to share some ideas on how mental health consumers and their organizations can get involved, The CAFE TA Center has produced the latest Focus newsletter, Focus 25: National Prevention Week 2013. It describes the importance of prevention, offers steps individuals and organizations can take to promote it, and includes links to a range of resources.

Cost Effectiveness of Using Peers as Providers - Posted 5.9

Peer support is a well-known practice in the mental health community, providing results, saving costs and offering people with mental health needs a pat to employment. But is there evidence supporting its value? According to this article, peer services are both effective AND a cost-saver.

http://www.namigbcan.org/pdf/Cost%20Effectiveness%20of%20Using%20Peers%20as%20Providers.pdf

NOTICE May 7, 2013: Request For Comment on the Following State Board Policy by May 31, 2013 - Posted 5.9

POLICY 1035 (SYS) 05-02 CSB Single Point of Entry and Case Management

Please find a link below to a draft revised policy sent for a second field review as approved by the Policy Development and Evaluation Committee of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services on April 9, 2013.

To assist the Board with these revisions, stakeholders are asked to consider thisdraft revised policy and forward your comments or any suggestions for further revisions about the proposed editsto these policies.

Please provide your comments on all of the above by May 31^st to:  ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov 

or by mailing: State Board of BHDS, 1220 Bank Street, Room 1323, Richmond, VA 23219.

Comments received will be considered at the next meeting of the committee on June 16, 2013, at DBHDS Central Office, Jefferson Building 1220 Bank Street, Richmond, VA.  This policy and any recommendations for additional edits are expected to be taken up at that meeting.  The committee may take a vote at that time on a final draft and recommendation to the full Board for the Board's July 23^rd meeting.  Please contact me if you have any questions via this email address or the phone number listed below.

All current Board policies can be viewed at: http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/adm-StateBoardDefault.htm However, this draft is not posted at that link; the unedited current policy is posted there. 
Go to:

http://vocal.groupsite.com/uploads/files/x/000/094/7a4/DBHDS%20Revised%20Policy%201035.pdf?1368020279

Provide Comments Regarding Possible HIPAA Impacts on Reporting of Persons With Certain Mental Health Issues to National Background Check Database - Posted 5.9

Deadline for Comments: June 7, 2013

On January 16, 2013, President Obama announced a series of Executive Actions to reduce gun violence in the United States. These actions include efforts to improve the Federal Government's background check system, called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), for the sale or transfer of firearms by licensed dealers. Among those persons who are disqualified from possessing or receiving firearms under Federal law are those "adjudicated to be mentally defective, or who have been committed to a mental institution" (mental health prohibitor). Concerns have been raised that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule may be a barrier to states' reporting to NICS the identities of individuals subject to the mental health prohibitor.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comments on how HIPAA may prevent state reporting to NICS, and how these barriers can be addressed without discouraging individuals from seeking mental health services. Additional comments are encouraged on proposals to establish "express permission" for reporting relevant information and on best methods of disseminating HIPAA-related information to state reporting entities.

Public input is also being sought on unintended consequences that such actions may have on individuals seeking mental health services. An important consideration when responding is the effect of the proposed HIPAA change on "temporary hold" cases.

Comments are due June 7, 2013. 

Review the Rule and Submit Your Comments